Rebound Slide Installation Trick

[TheTinMan]

The Smithmaster and Brownells tools look great but are relatively expensive. This tool from Wheeler Engineering fits right into a regular screwdriver handle and costs $4.79:

Wheeler Engineering Screwdriver Bit S&W Rebound Slide Spring - MidwayUSA

 

[imashooter2]

The Smithmaster and Brownells tools look great but are relatively expensive. This tool from Wheeler Engineering fits right into a regular screwdriver handle and costs $4.79:

Wheeler Engineering Screwdriver Bit S&W Rebound Slide Spring - MidwayUSA

That's the one I use. Screw drivers work, this works better.

 

[OC]

If ya ain't bleeding, ya ain't workin'.

 

[ditrina]

It's pretty easy to make the tool from an old screwdriver. All it takes is a propane torch to put the bends in it, a dremel to cut the slot and a file to smooth it all out.

And here I thought I was the only genius..!!
Old screw driver.. Propane torch.. needle nose pliers.. dremel tool.. 10 minutes of time in the garage..

 

[airman]

Is there an easy way to change the hammer spring in a J-Frame? I had to hunt until I found a substitute. It's still in there. I've found the original bushing and would like to put it back on the spring.

 

[fonejack54]

I just got done using a philips screwdriver like the OP said and it worked like a breeze.

 

[therealsuperdave]

another useless tool

The Smithmaster and Brownells tools look great but are relatively expensive. This tool from Wheeler Engineering fits right into a regular screwdriver handle and costs $4.79:

Wheeler Engineering Screwdriver Bit S&W Rebound Slide Spring - MidwayUSA

I was excited when this inexpensive bit arrived in the mail. Figued it would allow me do my first install of a Wolff reduced power 13# rebound spring in my J-Frame revolver, like they show on all the YouTube videos. WRONG!!! It was useless because the end of the tool would not fit inside the spring. Plus, when compressing the spring, the spring squirmed around like a snake--falling away from the tool. Immediately I realized that something was needed that would fit inside the spring to help stabilize the spring during compressing. So instead, I used a philips screwdriver, the point of which fit inside the spring and allowed some contact with the squirming spring while compressing. After compressing, was able to easily manifulate the screwdriver so a part of the spring caught behind the pin, allowing downward pressure to seat the spring and the slide in place. In short, save your money and just use a philips screwdriver.

 

[ogilvyspecial]

I use the rebound spring tool for removal and for installation
I rely on what I believe is part of an old nutcracker tool set.

I use the trianagular end to compress the spring and get it over the stud
then finish up seating the spring with the rebound spring tool.

 

[crankyoldlady]

I use the rebound spring tool for removal and for installation
I rely on what I believe is part of an old nutcracker tool set.

I use the trianagular end to compress the spring and get it over the stud
then finish up seating the spring with the rebound spring tool.

I believe it is an implement that manicurists use. Thanks for sharing this tip.